Arsenal are one of the best teams in the Premier League, but there are still some points of weakness that Wolves can target on Saturday.
The Gunners are facing quite a lot of injury and suspension issues. Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out due to picking up a one-game ban.
Additionally, Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera are out injured, while Jurrien Timber was not in Arsenal’s squad to face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday.
William Saliba has also been out injured, but his return to action is close, and that could come on Saturday.
Those issues at the back could open the door for Rob Edwards to find joy, but only if he opts to go for a certain partnership up front.
The Tolu Arokodare and Jorgen Strand Larsen partnership can cause Arsenal problems
It is not often you find yourself playing against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal with a potential route to causing them issues.
The Spanish manager has the London side playing as one of the most well-drilled teams in England, and there is a reason they are leading the Premier League.
But with their limited options at the back, Rob Edwards could find some joy by using both of his strikers against the Gunners.
If William Saliba is deemed unfit to return, then Wolves could have a significant height advantage on Saturday.
Both Jorgen Strand Larsen and Tolu Arokodare are tall forwards, and if used as outballs, they could win knock-ons for the other striker to run onto.
However, the Norwegian’s strength has been put into question by a former Premier League forward.
If William Saliba is not fit, do you think Wolves could cause Arsenal some issues by going tall and strong up top?
Outside of the Frenchman, their options are not the tallest… For Wolves, Tolu is 6′ 5" and Strand Larsen is 6′ 4"
- William Saliba – 6′ 3″ (doubt)
- Jurrien Timber – 5′ 10″ (doubt)
- Piero Hincapie – 6′ 0″
- Christian Nørgaard – 6′ 0″
Even if William Saliba plays, both strikers on the pitch could still cause a headache for Mikel Arteta.
The French centre-back would only be able to focus on one of the Old Gold’s frontmen, and that would leave a mismatch for the other Arsenal central defender.
Chances of a win look to be slim, and former Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is not hopeful for the Wanderers.
However, anything can happen in a game of football, and Edwards will be looking to cause an upset. This could be a way to do that.
READ MORE: Important travel update for Wolves fans heading to Arsenal clash on Saturday
Tolu Arokodare must start either way
If Rob Edwards opts to go with just one centre-forward, then Tolu Arokodare may be the best option.
There is a case to be made that the Nigerian’s impending absence due to AFCON means that Jorgen Strand Larsen should be given a chance to be played into form.
However, the height and physicality of Arokodare may be more helpful in this individual instance. As stated, if Saliba is unavailable, Tolu would have a significant physical advantage.
Wolves’ Norwegian forward has also not been endearing himself to supporters recently. Edwards had to calm down Larsen following jeers from the crowd against Manchester United.
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